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Construction of a new water transmission line in Hoosick Falls is now complete, marking a significant milestone in the village's recovery from water contamination issues. The 1.25-mile line connects a new groundwater source to the village's water treatment plant, ensuring safe drinking water for the 4,500 residents. This development comes after years of contamination from perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) linked to the Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics site.
The project was funded through a $45 million agreement between New York State and the companies responsible for the contamination, including Honeywell and Saint-Gobain. The New York State Departments of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Health (DOH) oversaw the construction, ensuring the new water source was outside the contaminated aquifer.
Governor Kathy Hochul praised the Hoosick Falls community for its resilience, stating, "The milestone reached today will ensure clean drinking water for generations of residents." Hoosick Falls Mayor Rob Allen also expressed optimism, highlighting the community's efforts to maintain a filtration system and find a new water source.
The contamination was first identified in 2015, prompting state and federal agencies to install a granulated activated carbon filtration system and individual treatment systems on private wells. The completion of the new water line represents a crucial step forward for the community, as they continue to address the contamination and ensure safe drinking water for all residents.